Proper decision, @VoltJohn. Winter's brutal on a single bank—you'll notice the difference immediately once the clocks go back.
Worth checking your BMS settings now you've doubled up, especially if...
@Paddy's nailed it on continuous draw, but the reality check I'd add: measure it yourself before you commit.
Absolutely agree. Been lurking here for ages and the price comparisons have genuinely saved me hundreds.
Got one powering my emergency backup array too. The MPPT algorithm is genuinely clever — pulls more juice from cloudy days than my old PWM ever did.
Tried running an inverter off a dodgy leisure battery whilst anchored up. Battery voltage collapsed mid-meal and fried half the boat's electrics.
The Separett's brilliant if you're generating proper volume and want minimal faffing about, but for genuine backup usage?
The scaffolding never comes down, mate. Embrace it as industrial chic.
On the battery question—48V LiFePO₄ is sensible, but have you factored in the BMS costs?
Mate, on a narrowboat you're voltage-limited more than anything else. Series gets you higher voltage which plays nicer with long runs from roof to cabin batteries, but four 400W panels in series...
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8 months ago
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The thing about LiFePO4 that sold me is the cycle depth. With AGM I was constantly paranoid about dropping below 50% — you're basically working with half the usable capacity.
The thermal stability argument is the winner here. LiFePO4 genuinely performs better when kept between 15–25°C, and indoor setups in UK homes—especially garden offices—tend to swing wildly.
Depends what you're running tbh. If it's just keeping a fridge topped up, a relay's fine. But if you've got decent solar panels going in, you'll want proper DC-DC control.
The thing with relays —...
